The report, published on Friday, said that African economies can become major participants in global supply chains, taking advantage of their vast resources of materials needed for high-tech sectors and their growing consumer markets.

Supply chains comprise the systems and resources needed to develop, produce and transport goods and services from suppliers to consumers.

UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan said in this regard that this is Africa’s time to strengthen its position in the global supply chains as diversification efforts continue.

She added that it is also an opportunity for the continent to strengthen its emerging industries, promote economic growth and create jobs for millions of people.

Africa’s abundance of critical minerals and metals, such as aluminum, cobalt, copper, lithium and manganese, which are vital components in renewable and technology-intensive industries, positions the continent as an attractive destination for manufacturing.

She insisted that recent upheavals caused by trade turmoil, geopolitical events and economic uncertainty are forcing manufacturers to diversify their production locations.

In that regard, she pointed out, Africa also offers advantages such as shorter and easier access to primary inputs, a younger, adaptable and technology-aware workforce, and a growing middle class known for its increasing demand for more sophisticated goods and services.

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